The success of Sanath Jayasuriya in inspiring Sri Lanka to World Cup victory n March 1996 also inspired a change of policy: he was chosen as one of the Five Cricketers of the Year even though he did not play in the English season. The rest of the Five also came from overseas - Mushtaq Ahmed, Phil Simmons (for his part in lifting Leicestershire to a rare Championship title), Saeed Anwar and Sachin Tendulkar - reflecting a season in which England followed a disappointing World Cup with a narrow victory over India and defeat to Pakistan. There was also a tribute to the umpire Dickie Bird, who had retired, and an article saluting the rise of Shane Warne by another Australian Test spinner, Ashley Mallett.Editor Matthew EngelPages 1440Price £26.00